Teen darts sensation Luke Littler has opened up about his celebration after winning the World Championship — and shared what’s really driving him as he sets his sights on surpassing Phil Taylor’s legendary record.
The 18-year-old made headlines in January when he clinched his first World Championship title, defeating Michael van Gerwen at Alexandra Palace. With the win, Littler became one of the youngest world champions in darts history, fueling comparisons to his childhood idol, Phil “The Power” Taylor.
Taylor, considered by many as the greatest darts player of all time, claimed a staggering 16 world titles over his illustrious career. He won his first at 29 in 1990 and his last in 2013 at the age of 52.
Speaking on the Stick to Football podcast with Gary Neville, Ian Wright, Jamie Carragher, Roy Keane, and Jill Scott, Littler admitted breaking Taylor’s record is a daunting challenge — and not one he’s sure he’ll commit to.
“There’s a record there to be broken, but it’s going to take some doing,” Littler said. “Phil also won the World Matchplay 16 times — so two of the biggest majors 16 times. It’ll take some doing.”
He added that the modern darts scene is far more competitive, suggesting even a prime Phil Taylor would struggle today. “It was a good field back then with players like Eric Bristow, but now, I think Phil would struggle.”
When asked what would keep him motivated for such a long-term pursuit, Littler answered candidly: “Probably just the money, to be fair. Phil Taylor was my idol. If I can be bothered to stay around that long — if I want to keep playing — then I will.”
Since lifting the world title, Littler has continued his red-hot form by winning the UK Open and currently leads the Premier League by eight points heading into week nine in Berlin.
